TENNIS Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic wins the men's title at the Ordina Open 2007

Ljubicic beats home hope Wessels  
Ljubicic made it three straight Croatian wins in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Croatia’s Ivan Ljubicic beat home hope Peter Wessels to win the men’s title at the Ordina Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Second seed Ljubicic needed three sets and two tiebreaks to beat qualifier Wessels – who is ranked 488th in the world – 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 7-6  (7-4).

Ivan Ljubicic: I never felt this good before any Wimbledon in the past

Wessels had had to complete his semi-final match earlier on Saturday after it was halted on Friday because of darkness. It was a tight affair, but Wessels beat Antony Dupuis of France 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-3).  But ultimately Wessels was unable to claim a second title of his 11-year career.  “Beforehand I would have been happy to make the final,” said Wessels.  “But if you’re there and so close, that’s bitter.”  Ljubicic praised his opponent, saying: “For me it was a very difficult match today. He was serving very well and I had everything to lose.  “I couldn’t afford to lose this win even if I know that Peter is a fantastic player.  “He was really unlucky with injuries. But how do I explain everybody that he’s not really number 488?  “I feel very good, I never felt this good before any Wimbledon in the past so maybe this is going to be different.”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/6233850.stm
Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia bites the racket and then kisses the trophy after beating Peter Wessels of the Netherlands during the final of the ATP Ordina Open Tennis Tournament in Rosmalen, the Netherlands, Saturday June 23, 2007. Ljubicic won 7-6, 4-6, 7-6. (AP Photo/Yves Logghe)